8867 / 2027

Chapter 5

Projectile Motion

Choose a direction convention and force model, then use the same elapsed time for horizontal and vertical motion.

Connect a flight path to its forces, velocity components and energy changes.

Weight, gravitational potential-energy change in a uniform field, ideal projectile motion, different launch and landing heights, and falling with air resistance. For 8867 (2027).

Start readingRevision summaryRead whole chapter

Choose a topic

  1. Weight and gravitational energy change

    Distinguish mass, weight and support force, and derive the energy change from a vertical height difference.

  2. Perpendicular components, one elapsed time

    Use the ideal projectile model for a horizontal launch and explain its comparison with a matched vertical drop.

  3. Launch and land at different heights

    Choose the future landing root, combine velocity components and check the landing speed using energy.

  4. Falling with air resistance

    Explain the changing force balance, terminal speed and continuing transfer from gravitational energy.